Need Comfort? Turn to God’s Word

Do you have a comfort food? I don’t, not really. I use the open-the-fridge-or-pantry-and-stuff-what-I-see-first-into-my-mouth method. It doesn’t matter what it is. Which is why I’m on Weight Watchers trying to lose the 40 pounds I gained over the last three years. I hope it doesn’t take three years to lose those pounds!

Escaping into a good book brings comfort as well. In fact, a select few of my books I call my comfort books. Books with characters I love and an ending that satisfies. I read these special books whenever I’m stressed and need something I already know I’ll enjoy. I don’t have to think too much and can lose myself in the familiar story, temporarily leaving my own world behind.

However, food and escaping into the world of a book only provide temporary comfort. They don’t truly fill me with anything lasting (except extra pounds I do not want or need!)

Longing for God’s Comfort

The one and only thing I need is God. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, only God, through His Holy Spirit, comforts. He promises to replace anxiety, sorrow, and fear with His peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:4-7). That’s exactly what I long for.

So, I pray. But prayer seems so one-sided. Me talking, pleading, lamenting. God remaining silent.
I want to call Him and invite Him to lunch or coffee, look at Him face-to-face, so we can have a heart-to-heart.

Wait just a minute. I can sit down with God. He speaks to me through His Word. The best way to hear His voice is to escape into His Book. Scripture is the ultimate comfort book. Sitting down and spending time with God brings comfort in a variety of ways.

The Comfort of His Presence

God may seem far away to me, but the truth is, He never leaves or forsakes His people (Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5). His presence alone comforts me. I can read His word any time. Memorizing and meditating on His Word, brings Him to the forefront of my thoughts whenever I struggle. It’s through His Word that He reminds me of His constant presence. Knowing He is with me brings peace and gives me the strength I need to persevere.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3)

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy (Psalm 94:19)

The Comfort of His Plan

I see His plan being accomplished throughout Scripture. Just read Hebrews 11 and 12 to follow the heroes of the faith. Each name and his or her story show God working from the beginning of creation to provide blessing and bring people to Himself. Reading these stories reminds me God has a plan for me too, a plan for my good.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him (Lamentations 3:25).

The Comfort of His Promises

His promises, written in His Word, offer hope, not just because they sound good, but because I see Him keep those promises over and over again. God always keeps His promises. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20). His Word encourages and strengthens, allowing me to persevere.

May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

True, lasting comfort, is found in God. Surrender your anxious thoughts, your worries, and fears to Him. Take time to sit with Him, open His Word, and let His loving presence comfort you today.

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7 Comments

Debbie, I was trying to think of what things I turn to for comfort instead of God. One thing I know for sure is that He’s the only real comforter. Except there are many times I try to escape before coming to my senses. 🙂
Thanks for these thought-provoking points.
Blessings to you,
Marva | SunSparkleShine

OH Debbie, this is so good, from the three P’s to the reminder that God is the ultimate comforter for all our needs. Blessings, I am visiting from #RaRaLinkup today where we are neighbors.

PS.. if you are looking for another place to link to on Thursday’s I would love if you would consider joining my linkup #TuneInThursday – it opens Thursday 3am PST and runs through Sunday night. you can find it at debbiekitterman.com/blog (Please feel free to delete the link if you think it inappropriate).

Thank you for joining me on my journey with God in uncharted water. Please let me know how He is working in your life. Cancel reply

Hi, I'm Debbie. A planner convinced I knew where I wanted to go and the best way to get there. Until I found myself traveling in uncharted water, feeling alone and unsure. My compassionate, loving God heard my cries of distress and reminded me He never leaves me nor forsakes me. The stories I share here are what I'm learning as I let God plan the journey and surrender to whatever and wherever He takes me.